SAFE

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In SAFE the burkini acquires a heightened level of visibility, juxtaposed to its controversial reception in contemporary society. The swimwear designed for Muslim women has been the subject of much controversy, spurred by notions of cultural difference and safety in times of terror. In France, for example, the burkini is banned from several beaches, with politicians from all major political parties supporting and encouraging the expansion of the ban. In a visceral installation activated at night, SAFE presents a tableau of women in hi-vis burkinis spotted around the garden, as though it were an everyday beach.

Safe is an installation in two parts. During the day (from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm) silhouettes are covered in cloth, marking a presence and absence. The viewer is invited to explore the work inside Kelly’s Garden. After dark (until midnight), projections animate women ‘caught-in-the-act’ or sunbathing in defiance. The viewer catches glimpses through the gate or observes above the work on Kelly’s Steps. In all there is a sense of hauntedness, disillusionment and absurdity.

OFFICIAL OPENING:Tuesday 17 January 2017 @ 5:30pm

Exhibition to be opened by Brian Ritchie of Mona Foma

EXHIBITION DATES: Wednesday 18 January – Sunday 5 March 2017

10:00am – 5:00pm daily, explore the covered work in Kelly’s Garden

After dark (until midnight) during Mona Foma (Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 January 2017 ONLY), observe through the gate and from Kelly’s Steps

FINAL PROJECTION:Friday 3 March 2017

From 9:00pm until midnight, observe through the gate and from Kelly’s Steps

Images by the artist.

The artist would like to thank Rosemary Miller, Colin Langridge, Frances Butler and Akin Sevinc.

Kelly’s Garden Curated Projects is an initiative of the Salamanca Arts Centre and made possible through multi-year funding from the Australia Council, the Federal Government’s arts advisory body, and the generosity of Aspect Design.